Kennedy Chandler updates commitment timeline, finalists with Rivals

Jon Lopez | Nike

Behind the scenes, speculation continues to build that 2021 five-star guard Kennedy Chandler may be the next high-profile prospect to commit in the coming weeks.

Publicly, though, the 6-foot guard out of Memphis, TN is adamant that he will take all of his official visits before deciding on a college.

In a recent interview with Eric Bossi of Rivals.com, Chandler said that he is hoping to go see each of his finalists in person, meaning Kentucky could get another chance to shift momentum back in its favor.

“I want to take my official visits, go to games and go to see the college coaches and speak to them in person,” Chandler told Rivals.com. “I don’t want to do virtual visits over the computer. If I have to I will, but I would rather go to the school with my family. It would be tough for me without visits because I want to take my visits in the fall and go from there.”

As of right now, the NCAA has implemented a dead recruiting period through August 31, though the expectation is that we could see it extended into the winter months.

Should Chandler be adamant about seeing these schools in person again, the five-star’s seemingly imminent decision – Tennessee is seen as the heavy favorite if things wrap up soon – could drag on quite a bit.

Regarding finalists, Tennessee and Kentucky are seen as the top two options, with the former expected to land his commitment as of today.

“I have a good relationship with them, Coach (Kim) English and Rick Barnes,” Chandler said of the Volunteers. “Ever since they offered me they have really enjoyed recruiting me so I have a great relationship with them.”

As for the latter, Chandler told Bossi that he’s impressed by Kentucky’s track record with elite point guards.

“They do well with point guards like De’Aaron Fox and Tyler Ulis, I could go on and on with the point guards they’ve had,” he said. “(John Calipari) puts his guards in the right place, he plays more than one point guard and that’s what he likes to to do. He says that he loves the way I play.”

Outside of his recruitment, the Memphis native has been spending time this summer with none other than former Murray State guard Ja Morant, who he says is like a “big brother” to him.